[Objectives]  To investigate the effects of feeding on different summer host plants on the development and adult longevity of Lygus pratensis Linnaeus, a major cotton pest in Xinjiang. [Methods]  The developmental duration and emergence rate of nymphs, and the longevity of adults, that developed on 14 major summer host plants were observed under artificial climate conditions. The relative abundance of L. pratensis on different summer hosts was also quantified and compared in the field. [Results]  Of the 14 host plants, L. pratensis nymphs were unable to complete development on Salsola collin, Chenopodium strictum and Solanum nigrum. The nymph developmental period and adult longevity differed among summer hosts. The longest nymph developmental period was recorded on Helianthus annuus (23.20±0.66) d and the shortest on Chenopodium glaucum (12.15±0.25) d. The longest adult female longevity was recorded on H. annuus (13.42±0.28) d and the shortest on S. collin (5.33±0.47) d. The longest adult male longevity was recorded on Brassica napus (11.40±0.95) d and the shortest on S. collin (5.13±0.38) d. The time required for nymphs to complete development on different summer hosts was generally consistent with the occurrence of nymphs on these hosts in the field, and was positively correlated with the number of adults that subsequently emerged on each host plant. The longevity of adults feeding on different summer hosts was generally consistent with the occurrence of adults on these hosts in the field. [Conclusion]  The results provide a basis for choosing which host plants to trap for this pest and for its seasonal management.